The central government has issued an advisory on avian influenza following outbreaks of the H5N1 virus in four states. The affected regions include Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh, Nagpur district in Maharashtra, Ranchi district in Jharkhand, and Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala.
The H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, typically spreads from migratory birds and can cause outbreaks among domesticated poultry. This virus is also capable of being transmitted to humans, posing significant health risks.
“Given that avian influenza is highly pathogenic and has the potential to be transmitted to humans, it is imperative to take necessary steps to minimise and prevent the spread of this infection,” stated Director General of Health Services Atul Goel and Animal Husbandry Commissioner Abhijit Mitra in the advisory.
The advisory instructs all state and Union Territory administrations to monitor for unusual deaths among birds or poultry. Healthcare workers and private practitioners are being oriented on the signs and symptoms of avian influenza to ensure early detection and response.
States have been asked to strengthen biosecurity measures in poultry establishments, zoos, and poultry markets. Preventive measures include stockpiling the antiviral drug oseltamivir, personal protective equipment, and setting up isolation wards.
Enhanced surveillance is advised in wet markets, abattoirs, and among poultry farm workers. Regular monitoring for severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) is also recommended. States reporting outbreaks are required to conduct health checkups for cullers and poultry farm workers within ten days.
Since March, concerns have been raised about avian influenza outbreaks in cattle across several US states, where one human case of H5N1 was reported.
The central government’s proactive measures aim to contain the spread of the virus and protect public health.
